To Honor Those Who Serve

Edward Dlugolenski stands in the shade of a Maple tree as the casket carrying his brother-in-law George Marchik, a 94 year old WWII Navy vet, is placed at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown Friday afternoon.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

On Friday I was asked to spend some time at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown where thousands of American Flags were placed at each grave site of Connecticut Veterans that served our country. Many of the volunteers that place flags are veterans themselves and each has a story to tell about their past. It was an honor to meet, chat and thank each of them as a walked through the rows of head stones taking pictures and video.

As I drove into the cemetery I noticed a freshly dug grave and asked Tony Labbadia, a Vietnam war vet who served in the Navy, if there would be a funeral today. He said yes and that another one would be held later on that day as well. When a few cars began to arrive at the grave site I approached Mr. Dlugolenski I asked he and his family would mind if I stayed and took a few photographs of the service, he welcomed me and another videographer from WVIT.

As the family began to gather around for the service to start many of the veterans that were placing flags stopped what they were doing and joined the group to pay their respects for a fallen comrade. You could fell the pride each held for the man being laid to rest and the bond they all shared. I set up my Nikon D300s on a tripod behind the family but positioned so you could see the flag draped casket and the cemetery in the background. Lighting was harsh as it was around 2 in the afternoon, the casket in full sun and the family comfortably shaded by the Maple tree. As the shots rang out from the gun salute and TAPS began I moved quietly into the cemetery to take a few photo as the flag was folded with precision by UT2 Barry Epstein and CECN Stacy Shaw, members of the Plainville Navy Reserves. As UT2 Epstein handed the flag to Mr. Dlugolenski he spoke with him and said "On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy."

In closing I would just like to extend my gratitude to the men and women who serve our country without hesitation, fear or complaint. Without you we would not be able to live our lives as free citizens of the greatest country in the world, God bless you all.